There aren’t many things more disconcerting than flipping on the lights in your Texas home to find a bunch of cockroaches scurrying about the floor. If you have had the misfortune of living through such an experience, there is a good chance the cockroaches you saw were German Cockroaches. German cockroaches are the most common cockroach species in the world and are frequent home invaders. What’s worse, when they infest, they bring all sorts of harmful bacteria and human pathogens with them. As such, it is important for you to take all the cockroach prevention measures at your disposal. That way you can limit your exposure to infestations and keep your family safe from these unwanted pests.
What Do German Cockroaches Look Like?
German cockroaches grow to be about 5/8th of an inch long. They are typically light brown in color and they feature two dark, parallel lines on their backs, just behind their heads. Both males and female German cockroaches have wings and can fly. Despite this, they prefer to run as they are quite fast on their feet. German cockroaches prefer to live in warm, humid areas that are close to food sources. They can frequently be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Are German Cockroaches Dangerous?
While outside in the world, German cockroaches frequently reside in unsanitary locations such as sewers, drain pipes, and trash bins. While in these locations, they can pick up all sorts of dangerous bacteria and human pathogens on their spine-covered legs. Then, when they come into our homes, they bring these harmful contaminants with them, spreading them to the various surfaces throughout the property. Some diseases that German cockroaches have been known to spread include salmonellosis, typhoid fever, cholera, gastroenteritis, dysentery, leprosy, plague, listeriosis, and giardia.
In addition to being dangerous, German cockroaches are also hard to get rid of once they enter a home. This is because they can survive in a variety of environments. Moreover, they can live for a month without food and a week without water so even if you cut off their food and water sources, they can still survive. Finally, they fit through extremely small cracks which makes containing infestations a challenging endeavor.
How Can You Keep German Cockroaches Out Of Your Home?
When it comes to keeping German cockroaches out of your home, your primary goals should be to remove any factors that attract them inside and to seal off any potential entry points through which they might gain access to the property. To effectively achieve these, you should:
- Practice proper food storage by keeping all food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
- Practice proper trash storage by taking out garbage before it piles up and storing trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Pick up uneaten pet food after your pets have finished eating.
- Address moisture issues in your home by installing dehumidifiers in poorly ventilated areas, repairing leaking pipes or fixtures, and ensuring all drains are working properly.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Fill in cracks in your home’s foundation with caulk.
- Seal any holes in your home’s exterior such as around vents, pipes, or utility lines.
What To Do If Your Home Is Infested With German Cockroaches?
Given how dangerous German cockroaches can be, if you find yourself dealing with an infestation in your home, don’t delay and call the professionals here at Innovative Pest Control right away. Not only will we effectively eliminate any infestation with which you are dealing, but if you opt for one of our ongoing treatment plans, we will ensure your home remains pest-free all year long. Don’t let German cockroaches threaten the health and safety of your family. Give us a call today.
Categories:
- Cockroach Control,
- Cockroach Prevention,
- German Cockroaches
The post The Trick To Getting German Cockroaches Out Of Your Home appeared first on Innovative Pest Control.